MTH
451 is an introduction to the mathematical theory of probability using
calculus. Probability theory has a tremendous range of applications in all the
sciences, including the social sciences, business and economics, and provides
the mathematical foundation for statistics. It uses a wide variety of
mathematical techniques and concepts, especially elementary set theory, combinatorics, and calculus. A main goal of this course
is that you will be able to read more advanced material on probability and
its applications and go on to courses in mathematical statistics and
stochastic processes. The class is designed for an audience with quite
diverse interests such as an engineering, science, economics or business
major. The probability will be a basic part of your mathematical toolkit; if
you are a secondary math education major, you will most likely need to take
the Praxis content exam, which contains material on discrete mathematics and
probability for which this course is great preparation; if you are interested
in taking the actuarial exams, this course is absolutely fundamental.
Probability theory is a fundamental discipline in mathematics itself as well
as the foundation for all of statistics. In addition, the study of
Probability Theory can be entertaining, enlightening and sometimes
surprising.